The man who I had previously knocked to the ground began to beat me. When he finished beating me, I was too weak to even stand. Yet, despite the obvious fact that I was very injured, he forced me to my hooves. I didn't have the strength to fight any more. They began leading me towards a strange structure. I later learned that it was called a "barn". As they lead me closer, I heard frantic whinnies. There were more horses!
I was overjoyed. And sadly they, too, had been mistreated at the hands of the man still holding me. When I learned that some of them were even from my herd I was happy. The mare that had warned me of the man's approach was there, too. I nickered to her. To my suprise, she nickered back! Her nicker sounded familiar. The man led me to a box and left me there.
"James." one of the men called.
"What do you want,Aaron?" came a rough voice. I assumed he was the one that they called James.
"Call her to us." Aaron said.
"Which one?"
"The black."
"Why?"
"She needs to be fed, doesn't she?"
"Right."
That caused me to leap to my hooves.
Even though the food supply was low, Aaron gave me plenty. As it turned out, Aaron was quite thoughtful of the animals he handled.
"I would like to train her." Aaron said suddenly. "I would also like to name her Nightfire."
He turned to me.
"Come here, Nightfire, I won't hurt you."
When I hesitated, he held out his hands, showing me that they were empty. I cautiously took a step towards him. Here was someone I might find a friend in. Then, I heard a loud noise, causing me to rear.
"What the HELL are you doing James?"
"Stay out of this, Aaron. I mean it."
Then all time ceased for me.
When I began to wake, my injured leg twitched. Without meaning to, I kicked someone.
"OUCH." A female exclaimed.
"Aaron, your filly is awake."
"Thank God, Dr. Kate."
I was grateful towards Dr. Kate. She was quite careful when she inspected my wounds. She spoke calmly. I began to grow comfortable around her.
